Japanese Conversation · Level 45
90 words
Japanese word
逆
Pronunciation
Romajigyaku
Meaning
- nounreverse
Example
順番が逆です。jun ban ga gyaku de su
The order is reversed.
More examples
説明とは逆の結果になりました。setsu mei to wa gyaku no kek ka ni na ri ma shi ta
The outcome was the reverse of what was explained.
Core concept
Describes a direction, order, or relationship that runs contrary to the expected one.
Common phrases
逆の順番gyaku no jun ban
reverse order
逆の意味gyaku no i mi
opposite meaning
逆方向gyaku hō kō
opposite direction
逆になるgyaku ni na ru
be reversed
Similar words
反対hantai: An opposing position, direction, or meaning.
あべこべabekobe: A condition in which the expected order or relationship is reversed.
正反対seihantai: Something that is completely opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.
逆さsakasa: A state in which something is upside down or in the opposite orientation.
Definition in Japanese
物事の向きや順序などが本来とは反対であること。mono goto no mu ki ya jun jo na do ga hon rai to wa han tai de a ru ko to
Word origin
As a Sino-Japanese word, 逆 (gyaku, "reverse; opposite") uses the reading of the character 逆, whose core sense is "to go against" or "backward."
Usage tips
- In casual conversation, 逆 (gyaku) can label an unexpected role reversal, such as a learner correcting a teacher's assumption, rather than a physical change of direction.